Welcome to our Rider Profiles — your chance to get to know the riders behind the kit, in their own words.

We sat down with each member of the 2026 Handsling Alba roster and let them do the talking: where they've come from, what drives them, a few things you probably didn't expect to find out and finishing off with some of their top tips for aspiring cyclists.

So get comfortable and read on to hear from the next rider in our series: Mari Porton...and if you want to find out more about Mari and how she definitely knows her molecules from her metals...

Hero Image Credit: Daan van Overveld

The Journey So Far

Tell us about your early years — where did you grow up?

I grew up just South of Birmingham, living with my Mum, my Dad and two brothers. We spent lots of time in West Wales or the Isle of Wight visiting my Grandparents. The Isle of Wight in particular was a special place to ride our bikes as a family.

How did you get into cycling? Who inspired or helped you along the way?

We are a family who always had the Tour de France on each year. We did lots of cycling on family holidays and my brother and I would wear yellow and green t-shirts to represent the yellow and green jerseys from the tour and “race” each other! We joined our first cycling club, Redditch Road and Path CC when I was 9. We started with cyclocross racing and some circuit racing, and soon enough we started to ride the track as well.

Tell us about the teams and clubs you were part of as a youth.

Growing up I was involved in just about any sport you can think of, football, gymnastics, cricket, hockey, netball, dance, athletics... until eventually cycling got more and more. I started at Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club and then moved to the Halesowen Cycling Academy as I started to race more track. In my junior years I raced for Tofauti Everyone Active, where I had the opportunity to race UCI races and nations cups and get my first taste of racing in Europe and I began to enjoy road racing much more.

Tell us more about your cycling career to date — teams, clubs, and any highlights.

Some of the highlights of my career so far include racing against some of the best in the world, lining up next to the world and European champions on start lines is super inspiring. As a junior, I also got to race the junior editions of some pretty cool races such as Ronde Van Vlaandren. Some of my recent results I’m most proud of include 2nd place at the London 3 day overall and 3rd at the Curlew Cup last year! 

When did you join Handsling Alba, and how did that come about?

I reached out to Bob when I was in my final year as a junior and then I joined the team last year as it felt like the perfect place to continue my development as a bike racer. I’ve been with them throughout my whole time as a U23 rider learning to race in elite races nationally and internationally.

Quick Fire Q&A

What is a fact about you that would surprise people the most? 

I’m currently studying a degree in chemistry.

Do you have any favourite food combos that most other people would find weird? 

Pasta and soy sauce before a race.

What is your favourite type of race? 

Crit Racing!

What is the hardest race you've ever ridden in? 

The Tour of Norway.

Is there any kit that you'd never ride without? 

I never go anywhere without an emergency gel.

What are your personal top 3 cycling destinations? 

South of France, Girona and Mallorca.

What's the best thing about being on Handsling Alba? 

The support both from the girls and the staff. The vibes are unmatched. The environment remains fun yet professional at all times.

Top Tips for Aspiring Cyclists

Mari has already built up a wealth of knowledge about bike racing — here's what she'd pass on to anyone finding their own way into cycling:

1. Stop sweating the small stuff so much and try to enjoy the process - putting too much pressure on yourself will only work against you.
2. Listen to your body - training and racing is not one size fits all, try not to get caught up in what everyone around you is doing and trust your own process and instincts, no one knows your body as well as you do.
3. There’s always another bike race - keep going! Results likely won’t be immediate but race lots, even if the race doesn’t suit you there is always something to learn.

We're super excited to follow your racing this season, Mari!

Missed our last profile? Catch up with Rider Profile: Amelia Tyler.